U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta has rejected a lawsuit by three tribes and upheld the Interior Department's decision to place 2.4 acres in Medford, Oregon, into trust for the Coquille Indian Tribe for gaming purposes. The dispute ran for more than ten years.
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Karuk Tribe and Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation brought the case. The court sided with the federal government and Coquille, ruling that the parcel qualifies as restored lands under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The casino opened in January 2025 on the site of the former Roxy Ann Lanes bowling alley along South Pacific Highway, starting with around 30 Class II slot machines.
The Ko-Kwel Casino Resort project calls for a 16,000-square-foot gaming floor with 650 Class II slots and a bar. Blackjack, poker and craps tables are not planned. The Coquille Tribe also operates the Bear Creek golf course and the Compass Hotel Medford by Margaritaville next door.
The decision rests on the Coquille Restoration Act of 1989, which restored federal recognition to the tribe and gave the Interior Secretary authority to place land into trust in five counties: Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson and Lane. Tribal council chair Brenda Meade said casino revenue will fund programmes for current and future generations of the tribe. The property has already created jobs in security and guest services.
Medford's city council initially opposed the project but later softened its stance. Senator Ron Wyden criticised the Interior approval, calling it a casino race and a reckless decision pushing Oregon toward uncontrolled gambling escalation. The ruling is final, but the three plaintiff tribes may appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court.
